"F.A.L.T.U was as big as VICKY DONOR but I didn't get any credit like Ayushmann Khurrana"

Bollywood actor Jackky Bhagnani who has entertained us in movies like F.A.L.T.U & YOUNGISTAAN amongst others, is excited for his upcoming film WELCOME TO KARACHI which is releasing today. We caught up with the handsome actor right before the release of his film as he spoke about his co-star Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, his character in WELCOME TO KARACHI, journey in Bollywood & much more. Read on...

How nervous are you for WELCOME TO KARACHI?More than nervous I am excited. I haven't done something like this. I don't know what will happen but we had a good time shooting the film. Also this is not a movie where I am flaunting something. I am looking my shabbiest best. I had to actually dumb myself down for the film.

How did you prepare for the character of Kedar Patel? I had only 24 hours to prepare for my Gujarati character. Someone told me about this guy called Devarshi in MTV Roadies. He was there 2 years back. That guy is the funniest person I have seen. He is Gujarati boy from Jamnagar. I watched his video 245 times and prepared for the role.

'I am looking my shabbiest best in WELCOME TO KARACHI '

Since you have replaced Irrfan Khan, how much justice have you done to the character?I have said that earlier also. I haven't replaced Irrfan sir. He couldn't do the film and in that short a notice, I was the only option the company had. I am huge fan of Irrfan Khan and for me to even think I have done justice to that would be wrong. I have given my take. You cannot compare. He is too superior. First 48 hours I was nervous but then slowly I got into the mold of the character.

The film's release has been delayed by a week. Do you think it will get a good opening given that there is no big movie releasing with it? Honestly, I have never got a solo release. YOUNGISTAAN released with seven other films. There was O TERI, DISHKIYAAOON, there were two English films and QUEEN and RAGINI MMS 2 were going very strong. Same is the case here. TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS is going strong. The reason why we moved it by a week is because Anand sir and dad are good friends. And when we have an open window, then why clash the films.How was it working with Arshad Warsi? Arshad Warsi is one of the most supporting actors. For him comedy is easy because he has done it in Munnabhais, Golmaals etc. But I had fun shooting with him.

What made you take up the role which was first offered to Irrfan Khan?It is a given fact that someone else was supposed to do the role. I wasn't a part of this movie. Neither was I an option nor a choice. I was aware about that. It is my home production and I was creatively involved. My dad and I both hadn't thought about casting me in the movie. When Irrfan Khan left the film due to some personal reasons, a day before it was going on-floors, in 24 hours we couldn't get any other actor. Hence I took it up. I had decided not to do a movie with Pooja Films after YOUNGISTAAN, because I had got my visiting card. But due to unavoidable circumstances, I had to take up the movie.

'Took me 3-4 years to make people believe that they cannot ignore me'

Being a star son, does work come easily to you? Well, honestly, being a producer's son, the journey is tough. Though the perception is other way round but the reality is that it is tougher. Given that I could convince the audience that a 28 year old can be a Prime Minister in YOUNGISTAAN, I should have signed at least 50 films. But I haven't. YOUNGISTAAN gave me a huge boost. Before that I was only considered a dance.

Is there any other genre you have tried? Apart from horror, I have tried all the genres. Comedy, drama, dance, sci-fi, I have tried everything. (laughs)

Lastly, do you think F.A.L.T.U was a turning point in your career? It was a turning point but like I said, I didn't know perception management. When I got launched, I thought people will be able to see the hard work I have put in and then I will get work on my credit. But I didn't realize that how will people know how much hard work have I put in. Technically, F.A.L.T.U was as big as VICKY DONOR, which released a year after that. But I didn't get any credit compared to what Ayushmann Khurrana got. It took me 3-4 years to make people believe that they cannot ignore me. But I do feel that I don't get the credit that I deserve.